Thul Named Outstanding Player in Team USA Champion Challenge; Photos and More

Team USA White won the intrasquad competition at the Champion Challenge in Florida on Sunday, beating the Blue squad 12-5. The game served as the final tryout before coach Richie Meade and staff trim down the roster to 30 players in preparation for the 2014 FIL World Championships.

Meade said on the broadcast that "four or five" players were on the bubble fighting for spots.

Marcus Holman had two goals for the White team. He was paired on attack with fellow USA newcomers Rob Pannell and Steele Stanwick as an impressive unit all day. Stanwick too did his part to stand out, threading the needle with Kevin Leveille, who had the day's best highlight-reel goal, finishing inside while draped by two defenders.

Brian Karalunas had some solid defensive play for Team Blue. He also scored a goal on a heads-up play at the end of the first half. The Villanova alum notched a goal as time expired, taking a long feed from goalie Jesse Schwartzman.

Matt Abbott, who has been consistently great in the tryout process and is likely a lock to make the team, had an early goal on a feed from Brian Farrell. Farrell had a standout performance sparking transition Sunday.

The game saw stretches of stellar defensive play. John Galloway had roughly 10 saves (official stats to come) for the White team, with Kip Turner nearing that total as well.